Neha Jamal wins 2024 Reaktion Book Prize

In the 5,000-word ‘Object Essay’ – a coursework requirement for all first-year History of Art undergraduates at Oxford – students are given the freedom to select any object, image or building as a subject for in-depth research, with the sole condition that it must be found within the city of Oxford. For her “object” Neha chose the former Indian Institute building, currently the site of the Oxford Martin School. Neha’s essay examines the origins and shifting identity of the building, seeking to critically contextualise the social and political motivations of the project, and to trace how these evolved over time and in relation to the building’s changing functions. 

Looking at the “eclectic” style in which the Old India Institute building was designed, Neha first analyses this work of architecture as evidence of the changing status of the architect in the late 18th century, as an increasingly respected creative individual, before stepping back to consider the implications of its initial function, as the site of the Oxford Indian Institute. Its fundamental purpose, for the study of ancient Indian culture during a time of colonial tension and over the period of the acquisition of Indian independence, adds new layers of meaning to the building’s initial design and to its history. As Neha explains, her work endeavours ‘to acknowledge the delicate balance of respect, fascination and admiration, but also appropriation and subjugation, of Indian culture and people that can be understood through the complex cultural artefact that is the former Indian Institute building.’

Oxford’s History of Art examiners found Neha’s work to be outstanding, identifying it as the best submission this year and putting it forward for the Reaktion Book Prize. Responding to news of the award, Neha said: ‘This essay was a pleasure to write, allowing me to delve into an area of study that I find both fascinating and deeply relevant. The research process allowed me to discover Oxford from new perspectives, both by immersing myself in its rich history through hours spent sifting through archival material in the Weston Library, but also challenging me to consider the city and the University critically by acknowledging its nuanced colonial legacy. 

‘I am grateful to have been awarded this prize and look forward to all I have left to write and to learn in my degree here.’

Neha now prepares for the second year of her course, and is particularly excited to begin the module on South Asian sculpture. The Christ Church community would like to congratulate Neha on her great achievement and to wish her every success as she continues her studies.